Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Your Community

Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation Invites Ontarians to Take Part

TORONTO, Oct. 2, 2012 /CNW/ - This October, join Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation in supporting women and their loves ones who have been impacted by the disease during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

This past weekend, over 62,000 Ontarians kicked off Breast Cancer Awareness Month at the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure, raising over $13.1 million in Ontario towards new and innovative research. There are still many different ways to get involved this October, and the Foundation invites Ontarians to join in or host one of the many community events happening across the province.

"I have close friends and family who have been affected and I even had my own breast cancer scare a couple years. My results turned out to be negative, but given the statistics I realized that breast cancer can affect anyone and I vowed to try to make a difference," said Judy Croon community event creator and host of Stand Up for the Girls, an annual night of stand-up comedy. "Anytime I can use humour to raise awareness or funds for such a worthy cause like breast cancer research- well that's a win in my books."

The Pink Tour bus is also making its final stops across Ontario, giving communities the opportunity to join in and get the facts about the importance of breast cancer screening.  To date, over 32,000 people have been on board and pledged their support by signing the bus.

"With one in nine women being diagnosed in her lifetime, breast cancer is a disease that impacts us all," said Sandra Palmaro, CEO, Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, Ontario Region. "Together, with your support and energy, we remain focused on our vision to create a future without breast cancer."

October's Breast Cancer Awareness Month provides an opportunity not only to support women impacted by the disease, but also to celebrate the advancements we have made together.  Today, women diagnosed with breast cancer are living longer with a better quality of life than ever before. Over the past 25 years, mortality rates for breast cancer have declined by 40% due to advancements in screening, diagnosis and treatment. The Foundation's investments in research continue to make strides in the areas of breast cancer prevention, earlier detection, treatment and patient care.

For more information on how to get involved or to learn more about improving your breast health, visit www.cbcf.org.

About the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation
The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation was founded in 1986 as the first community-driven organization in the country devoted exclusively to breast cancer research, breast health and breast cancer education and advocacy. Our goal is to reduce the number of people diagnosed with breast cancer, and to improve quality of life for those affected.  We fund world-class researchers and clinicians who are making groundbreaking progress in breast cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care. Since 1986, the Foundation's Ontario Region has awarded over $93 million in funding for nearly 600 grants, supporting research projects, fellowships and community health initiatives. For more information visit www.cbcf.org.

SOURCE: Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation (Ontario Chapter)

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT CBCF-ONTARIO OR TO SET UP AN INTERVIEW:

Adrienne Palmer, Director of Communication and Government Relations
Office: 416-815-1313 ext. 284 Mobile: [phone] Email: [email protected]